Kukla's Korner Hockey

Asked about how he sees the club’s goaltending situation playing out next season at Friday’s breakup day at the Garden, Chiarelli indicated he was in no rush to break up a tandem that has been so solid over the last three seasons.

“I view it pretty much the same way I saw it going into the last summer, the biggest difference being that Tuukka obviously didn’t play towards the end because of his injury,” Chiarelli said, before quickly adding, “for me there’s no uncertainty there with regard to him being back and healthy.

“I know I’ve seen speculation about moving a goalie and all that stuff, but certainly I’m not inclined to do that,” Chiarelli continued. “Tim didn’t have statistically the year he had before but I thought he had a very good year. We have, if not the best, one of the top two or three goalie tandems in the league.”

Rask is coming off a strained groin and abdomen that sidelined him for the final five weeks of the regular season and start of the playoffs, but he returned to dress as Thomas’ backup in the final two games against Washington. On Friday, Rask declared himself “100 percent” and was not worried about any future issues with the injury.